Sodalite Gemstone Beads
Sodalite, a rich royal blue tectosilicate mineral, is primarily composed of sodium and aluminum silicate with chlorine, often found in igneous rocks that crystalized from sodium-rich magmas. This explains its presence in volcanic rock formations and its robust, glassy luster, making it an intriguing selection for jewelry making. With its moderate hardness on the Mohs scale, Sodalite is both durable and easy to work with, ideal for carving and shaping into beautiful beads.
Facts: Sodalite's historical footprint is as deep as its color. Valued in ancient civilizations as a stone of logic, rationality, and efficiency, Sodalite was often associated with philosophers and artists who believed it stimulated clear thought and creativity. In more recent history, it was discovered during the late 1800s in Canada, during the visits of European royalty, which is when it gained significant popularity as an ornamental gemstone.
Metaphysical / Holistic: Sodalite is believed to promote logic, rationality, and efficiency. It is said to enhance communication skills and encourage trust and companionship, making it an excellent stone for designers who create pieces meant to foster connection and dialogue.
Sodalite 2x4mm Tube - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$12.00
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Original price
$12.00
Original price
$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Sodalite is named for its sodium content and may be classified as a feldspathoid. Blue Sodalite is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s lapis” beca...
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Original price
$12.00
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Original price
$12.00
Original price
$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00
Sodalite 6x8-12mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$10.00
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Original price
$10.00
Original price
$10.00
$10.00
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$10.00
Sodalite is named for its sodium content and may be classified as a feldspathoid. Blue Sodalite is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s lapis” beca...
View full details
Original price
$10.00
-
Original price
$10.00
Original price
$10.00
$10.00
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$10.00
Orange Sodalite 5x7-12x16mm Graduated Faceted Rondelle - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$89.00
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Original price
$89.00
Original price
$89.00
$89.00
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$89.00
Orange Sodalite has veins of orange, white and gray within the primarily bright to deep blue or black stone. Sodalite is named for its sodium conte...
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Original price
$89.00
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Original price
$89.00
Original price
$89.00
$89.00
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$89.00
Sodalite 8mm Star Cut Coin A Grade - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$27.00
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Original price
$27.00
Original price
$27.00
$27.00
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$27.00
Sodalite is named for its sodium content and may be classified as a feldspathoid. Blue Sodalite is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s lapis” beca...
View full details
Original price
$27.00
-
Original price
$27.00
Original price
$27.00
$27.00
-
$27.00
About this stone
Color
BlueRoyal BlueWhite-Veined Blue
Origin
BrazilCanadaRussiaNamibiaUSA
Mohs hardness
5.5–6
Treatment categories
Natural
Industry-standard treatment
Natural — sodalite is not typically treated
Mineral chemistry
Sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine (Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2)
Crystal system
Cubic
Stone family
Feldspathoid
Common cuts
RoundFaceted RoundRondelle
Common sizes
4mm6mm8mm10mm
Care notes
Moderate hardness (Mohs 5.5–6). Mild soap and soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic.
Related stones
Lapis Lazuli, Dumortierite, Lazurite, Hauyne
Frequently asked questions
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What's the difference between sodalite and lapis lazuli?
Sodalite is a single mineral — sodium aluminum silicate with chlorine — that produces a royal-blue stone with white calcite veining. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals together, principally lazurite (the deep ultramarine blue), plus sodalite, calcite, and pyrite (the gold flecks). The two are related — sodalite is one of the minerals inside lapis — but visually distinct. Sodalite reads as a softer, more variegated blue; lapis reads as a deeper, more uniform ultramarine with gold pyrite flecks. The old trade nickname "poor man's lapis" reflects the price difference, not a substitution. -
Is sodalite dyed?
Most sodalite is sold natural — the royal-blue color is intrinsic to the mineral, and Dakota's active sodalite inventory tags as Natural. Dyeing is uncommon for the variety because the natural color is already what designers want. Bright, uniformly saturated, vein-free "sodalite" — particularly in candy-blue or electric shades — can be a dye signal. Treatment, where present; ask before buying if a strand doesn't specify. -
Where does sodalite come from?
Brazil and Namibia are the principal commercial sources for bead-grade sodalite. Bolivia, Canada (the Bancroft area of Ontario), and Russia also produce material. Dakota's currently-tagged origin is Brazilian rough; sodalite from other deposits is visually similar enough that polished beads are not reliably distinguishable by origin alone. Origin should be disclosed where known; ask before buying if a strand doesn't specify. -
How durable is sodalite for daily wear?
Mohs 5.5–6 — softer than quartz or agate, comparable to lapis and turquoise. Suitable for most jewelry applications including bracelets and necklaces; in rings, sodalite is wearable but benefits from protective settings or rotation with harder stones. Standard care: soft cloth with mild soap; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning; avoid household cleaners and strong solvents. The white calcite veining is softer than the blue sodalite itself and can dull faster than the field if subjected to abrasion. -
What sizes does Dakota carry?
Our active sodalite inventory centers on 8mm and 6mm rounds, with 4mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 2x4mm rondelle sizes also stocked. Round is the dominant cut; rondelle and faceted variants appear in select sizes. Full size and cut availability is filterable in the grid above.